KARACHI: The Judicial Commission probing the Gul Plaza fire tragedy has formally summoned various rescue organizations to record their statements and examine their role during the incident. According to the orders issued by the Commission, representatives from the Edhi Foundation, Chhipa Welfare, and other relevant rescue agencies have been directed to appear on February 18. The commission seeks to obtain detailed information, official records, and their stance regarding the rescue operations.
During the first hearing held at the Deputy Commissioner South’s office, the commission—headed by Justice Agha Faisal—recorded statements from 23 victims and eyewitnesses. The hearing was marked by emotional testimonies where witnesses criticized the performance of emergency services, alleging that fire brigades ran out of water and lacked modern equipment to tackle the blaze. Some victims further claimed that rescue personnel failed to enter the building during the height of the crisis, pointing toward gross negligence and a lack of preparedness.
The Commission’s objective is to complete a thorough investigation and fix responsibility for the tragedy. The statements from rescue officials are expected to be a crucial part of the final report to determine whether the loss of property and life could have been mitigated.
